Kyiv City Council Member and Former Dynamo Coach Faces Extortion Charges Amid Martial Law

Criminal Case Launched Against City Council Deputy

According to НАБУ: A criminal investigation has been initiated against a Kyiv City Council deputy who also served as a former coach for the Dynamo football club. The case centers on allegations of extorting a large sum of money during the ongoing martial law period. This investigation was authorized following a ruling by a judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court, issued on August 13, 2026.

The judge's decision mandated the registration of the case in the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations, based on a report filed on July 21, 2026. The alleged offense is classified under Part 4, Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to Part 5, Article 216 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau is not responsible for this investigation.

Next Steps in the Investigation

On August 25, 2026, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor transferred the case to the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv for further inquiry. The investigation remains ongoing.

This case has attracted considerable public attention due to its ties to both politics and sports, highlighting the critical issue of corruption in Ukraine. Extortion allegations during martial law carry significant implications for the reputations of the involved deputy and the Dynamo football club, potentially affecting public trust in both governmental bodies and sports institutions. The progression of this case will be closely watched as a measure of Ukraine's anti-corruption enforcement effectiveness.

The ongoing investigation into the Kyiv City Council deputy's alleged extortion raises parallels with other high-profile cases of corruption in Ukraine. For instance, recent developments in a separate bribery case involving a Ukrainian MP have led prosecutors to seek a significant prison sentence. Such cases underscore the persistent challenges faced by the country in combating corruption. To explore the details of this related bribery case, see more here.